Timeline

Aynsley Established

1775 January

John Aynsley established a pottery business in Lane End (Longton) in Staffordshire. Shown are two early pieces of earthenware, printed in black and hand enameled. The inscription within the circle of the boarder reads, "Keep within the compass and you shall be sure to avoid many troubles which others endure".

Flint Street Pottery Opens

1776 May

Flint street pottery opens on the site of the present Longton market. By all accounts the company prospered specializing in silver lustre ware which Aynsley introduced and which was then embraced throughout the entire area.

Portland Works Opened

1861 July

The Portland Works was opened in 1861and it is believed that it was designed by John Aynsley II.

Behind the elegant facade, with it's Italianate and Georgian architectural features is a solid three story building. The large windows allow light into the spacious workrooms, this innovation contributed to creating an efficient work space and also to the wellbeing of the workforce.

The Mayor of Longton

1886 May

The painting shown is of John Aynsley II as Mayor of Longton 1886-1890. It was commissioned by members of the local community to celebrate his achievements in office.

Queens Park Longton

1888 September

The Aynsley memorial in Queens Park Longton, celebrates the roles of the Duke of Sutherland and John Aynsley in the opening in1888 of the first public park in Staffodshire.

The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria

1896 September

Aynsley produce pieces to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria 1837-1897. The pieces shown have a small portrait of Queen Victoria and the date September 3rd 1896 The Royal Standard and other symbols of the Empire and Armed Forces also feature. The rubric "Queen of England" Victoria Regina longest reign in English history and an Empire on which the sun never sets, is included in the backstamp.

The turn of the century

1900 January

Shown is an early Aynsley delivery vehicle in the company livery, this was built by messrs Stanway and co. of Longton. Replacing the traditional horse and cart it heralded the beginings of the coming changes in the new century.

Queen Mary

1931 October

The Tulip shape was introduced in October 1931. The beautiful clarity of the painting and the very dainty shapes are now characteristic of the period. The Tulip design registered No 765789 was ordered by Queen Mary and some examples are marked "As supplied to H.M.the Queen".

The Wedding of Princess Elizabeth

1947 November

A dinner service was presented by the British Pottery Manufacturers Federation to Princess Elizabeth for her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. From the fifteen designs submitted to her by the selection committee of the Federation, Princess Elizabeth chose the Aynsley "Windsor" pattern with a laurel border in burnished gold etching to which the Royal cypher was added. This was a time of great pride for Aynsley.The design was renamed Elizabeth in honor of The Princess, and is still a favorite to the present day.

Aynsley China LTD.

1970 July

The company's profitability made it a desirable acquisition. In June 1970 Spode put in a bid, this was then topped in July by Denbyware. Discussions then followed with Waterford Glass and a £1 million bid was agreed. In 1970 John Aynsley and Sons was taken over by Waterford and renamed Aynsley China LTD.

The Grand National Trophy

1977 April

Lawrence Woodhouse hand-painted Aynsly's first Grand National Steeplechase Trophy in 1977, illustrating an assembly of horses tackling Beechers Brook. Lawrence was invited to join Aynsley China in 1974 and helped to establish the art studio within the Portland Works. Working from drawings or photographs he applies the surface design using on-glaze china colours. This is a lengthy process involving four or more firings including a final firing after the gold has been applied by hand.

Belleek Takeover

1997 May

In May 1997, Aynsley China was acquired by The Belleek Pottery Group in Ireland.

The Millennium

2000 January

The Millennium was celebrated throughout the world. Aynsley created a range of products for the occasion. To mark the accomplishments of human culture over the last two thousand years the "Endeavors Of Mankind Millennium Collection" was launched. Leaving behind the second millennium and entering the third, Aynsley continues with it's long history.

The Royal Engagement

2010 November

Following in their tradition of producing royal commemoratives, Aynsley launched a collection to celebrate the engagement of HRH Prince William to Kate Middleton.

The Royal Wedding

2011 April

To commemorate the Marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton on the 29th April 2011, Aynsley launched two collections. One depicting portraits of the Prince and Catherine with Westminster Abbey and another decorated with the Royal coat of arms and family tree.

The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

2012 June

On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Aynsley China were proud to produce a collection lavishly decorated in Royal purple and emblazoned with the Queen's coat of arms.